Chicago Skyline Sets Ideal Backdrop for World Class Sailing

Posted June 16th, 2016 by Cindy Muller

On Tuesday June 7th, I had the honor to discuss a bit about Chicago architecture on a river boat cruise sponsored by the Chicago Yacht Club women’s committee. The cruise was a fundraiser for Team Magenta, and the kickoff event for this past weekend’s Louis Vuitton America Cup Series. The City of Chicago was a beautiful backdrop for this world class event.

Daniel Burnham’s plan of 1909 called for piers to extend into the lake and Montgomery Ward called for the preservation of the lakefront shores. The river’s history and the great Chicago Fire all aided to the renaissance atmosphere of the early 20th century that lead Chicago to be one the architectural meccas of the world for many decades. From the Beaux Arts/neoclassical style, to Art Deco and most prominently, the International Style.

Navy Pier is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary and over the years has served as a dock for freighters and passenger ferries, to a Naval Training Center, to classrooms for the University of Illinois, to its current world renowned travel destination.

Naviy Pier LVAC
Photo by Chris Albanis

This weekend’s event showcased to the world what a first class city Chicago is. With the race village prominently placed at the end of Navy pier, perfect viewing was provided and three varied days of weather conditions gave Midwesterner’s and tourists from all over the world an exciting opportunity to see some of the best sailors in the world compete.

It was very cool that one could see this race from on the water, the grandstands at navy pier, public viewing along the south side of navy pier, views from the shore, and birds eye views from various high rises. Whether one was involved with sailing, touring the City or simply strolling the lakefront you could see this event.

One can’t talk about the LVACWS without mentioning the AC Endeavor Program, which is the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) program that leaves behind 8 Hobie Wave sail boats for kids programs throughout the CPS System, and the After School Matters program.

To listen and read the comments of professional sailors from all corners of the world talk about what a wonderful venue and a great place Chicago is makes me so proud. I am always so happy to talk about the positive attributes of this beautiful city and the lakefront. The event and the programs left behind are a huge win-win for the city.